The fund offers grants of up to $8,000 to help bring youth-led projects to life, with applications now open until 12 October.
To help young people develop their ideas and prepare applications, a series of free drop-in sessions are being held during September. Whether participants already have a project in mind or are just keen to learn more, the sessions provide an opportunity to explore ideas, get feedback on a project, work through the application process, and ask questions.
The drop-in sessions will be held at Envirohub Bay of Plenty, 31B Glasgow Street, Tauranga.
- Monday 14 September – 3.30pm - 6.30pm
- Tuesday 15 September – 11am - 2pm
- Wednesday 16 September – 3.30pm - 5.30pm
- Thursday 17 September – 11am - 2pm
Sessions can be booked at letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/youth-climate-action
A previously held co-design session where young people learnt more about the fund. Image: Tauranga City Council
Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the Youth Climate Action Fund gives young people the opportunity to turn good ideas into real community projects.
“Young people often bring fresh ideas to local challenges, and with grants of up to $8,000 available, this fund can help turn those ideas into action. The drop-in sessions are a great opportunity to explore ideas, get support with applications, and connect with council staff and local experts who can help bring projects to life.
“It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the community while building valuable leadership, collaboration and project management skills.”
The fund is part of a global initiative by Bloomberg Philanthropies that empowers young people across 300 cities worldwide to develop and deliver projects that respond to climate challenges in their own communities.
Tauranga residents aged 15-24 are eligible to apply. Projects could focus on a range of issues, from reducing waste and restoring biodiversity to promoting sustainable transport, improving community resilience or raising awareness of climate-related challenges.
Young people interested in applying for funding or attending an upcoming co-design session can find out more at letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/youth-climate-action